Exfoliating apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for exfoliating skin is provided which includes a base having at least one leg depending from the underside thereof. The leg(s) are configured for removably securing the apparatus into a fixed position against a surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions having a variety of texture grades.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 604,330 filed on Aug. 03, 2006 under 35 U.S.C. §122, 37 C.F.R. §1.14, and MPEP §1706. It is respectfully requested that said Disclosure Document remain a permanent part of the file history of the present application and be relied upon during the pending prosecution, and for any other matters that may arise concerning said present application and the subject matter contained therein. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to scrubbing devices and, more particularly, to a portable, lightweight exfoliating apparatus adapted for stationary, callus-removal operation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Calluses and corns are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin. They form to protect the skin and body structure under the skin from pressure, friction, and injury. Calluses generally form on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet when the epidermis thereof becomes partially keratinized due to repeated pressure or friction on an area of skin over time. The pressure causes the skin to die and form a hard, protective surface.

Calluses on the hands are often caused by the regular handling of an object that puts pressure on the hand, such as tools or sports equipment. Calluses and corns on the feet are often caused by pressure from footwear such as tight shoes, high-heeled shoes, loose shoes, and thin-sole shoes. Walking barefoot can also cause calluses. The outer edge of the big toe and the sides of the heel are the most common areas for callused feet.

Calluses and corns can cause discomfort and can also become painful. Thus, it is often necessary to periodically remove such calluses from the palms of the hands, elbows or soles of the feet. Traditionally, a pumice stone or a mechanical sander device have been employed for manually filing the calluses and corns in order to facilitate their removal. However, these conventional methods and apparatuses for callus removal require the use of ones hands and bending over. Furthermore, such methods and apparatuses are time consuming, laborious, inefficient, and often painful.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a stationary, foot-operated exfoliating device adapted to allow for the removal of calluses in a manner which is quick, easy, efficient and painless. The development of the exfoliating apparatus fulfills this need.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,660, issued in the name of Park;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,034, issued in the name of Biernacinski et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,055, issued in the name of Connor;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,042, issued in the name of Sakai;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,262, issued in the name of Lechtman;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,012, issued in the name of Hill;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,250, issued in the name of Robbins, III et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,052, issued in the name of Regner, and

U.S. Pat. No. D475,792, issued in the name of Robbins, III.

Consequently, a need has been felt for a stationary, foot-operated exfoliating device adapted to allow for the removal of calluses in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, portable exfoliating apparatus adapted for stationary operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exfoliating apparatus having a base with at least one leg depending from the underside thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of legs each comprising a suction cup coupled to the base.

It is another object of the present invention to provide base having a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, wherein each one of the abrasive regions comprising a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet with a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions comprising at least one coarse texture grade, at least one intermediate texture grade, and at least one fine texture grade.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a base comprising a variety of aesthetics, including a variety of solid colors, clear or translucent, multi-color patterns, and indicium or indicia (including the use of licensed trademark(s)).

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus adapted for allowing the user thereof to exfoliate his/her foot, hand, or elbow in a manner which is quick, easy, efficient, and painless.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an exfoliating apparatus adapted for filing fingernails.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exfoliating apparatus adapted for exfoliating feet without requiring hand manipulation or bending over.

Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a an apparatus for exfoliating skin is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a base, at least one leg depending from the underside of the base, the at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position, and at least one abrasive region coupled to the base. The apparatus may also be utilized for filing fingernails.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for exfoliating skin is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a base, at least one leg depending from the underside of the base, the at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position, and a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, the plurality of abrasive regions comprising at least one coarse texture region and at least one fine texture region.

In each of the embodiments described above, the base may comprise at least one margin, the margin having a beveled form.

In each of the embodiments described above, the at least one leg may comprise a suction cup coupled to the base.

In each of the embodiments described above, the at least one abrasive region comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive textures. The base comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, each one of the abrasive regions comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet. The plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions comprises at least one coarse texture grade and at least one fine texture grade.

In each of the embodiments described above, each one of the abrasive regions may be coupled to the base via hook and loop material. The hook or loop material strip is adhered to the underside of the abrasive region, and wherein a complementary hook or loop material strip is adhered to the topside of the base, the hook and loop mutually engaging in an interlocking and separable manner. Each one of the abrasive regions comprises an overhang for grasping and removing one of the abrasive regions by separating the hook and loop material.

In each of the embodiments described above, each one of the abrasive regions utilizes a water-resistant paper liner.

In each of the embodiments described above, the apparatus may further comprise an open-cell sponge attachment, wherein the sponge attachment comprises hook or loop material applied to the underside of the attachment, the hook or loop material complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to the topside of the base.

In each of the embodiments described above, the apparatus may further comprise an attachable and removable platform, the platform comprising a base having a dimension smaller than the base of the apparatus, at least one leg coupled to the underside of the base, the at least one leg utilized for coupling the platform to the base of the apparatus, an abrasive sheet coupled to the base, hook or loop material applied to the topside of the platform base, and hook or loop material complementary to the topside of the base applied to the underside of the abrasive sheet of the platform, the abrasive sheet coupled to the base via the hook and loop material.

The use of the present invention allows for the quick, easy, efficient, and painless removal of calluses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the exfoliating apparatus, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the hook and loop material strips of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the abrasive region;

FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the top view as depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of the top view as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a sponge attachment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a platform attachment attached and removable from the base structure of the apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a semicircular exfoliating attachment; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the semicircular exfoliating attachment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for exfoliating skin is disclosed and described in accordance with at least one conceived embodiment. The apparatus 10 comprises a base 12 having at least one leg 14 depending from the underside of the base 12, and at least one abrasive regions 16 coupled to the topside of the base 12. The apparatus 10 may be placed or positioned so that the leg(s) 14 are fixedly secured to a surface, thereby inhibiting movement of the apparatus 10 during use. Once the apparatus 10 is in position, a user may exfoliate his/her foot by passing the foot over the abrasive region(s) 16 in a longitudinal path (forward and backward relative to the user's orientation), which may be repeated with additional abrasive region(s) 16 of varying texture grade if so desired and if so provided.

It is envisioned that the apparatus 10 may comprise a plurality of legs 14 (as depicted in FIG. 1, with the legs denoted by 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d, respectively), and/or a plurality of abrasive regions 16 (as depicted in FIG. 6, with the abrasive regions denoted by 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, respectively).

The base 12 may comprise a variety of shapes or forms, dimensions, materials, and combinations thereof. For instance, it is envisioned that the base 12 may have an orthogonal, circular or elliptical shape, among other forms. The outer margin(s) of the base 12 may have a beveled and/or rounded edge to decrease the likelihood of injury. It is further envisioned that the base 12 may have a variety of dimensions, especially dimensions conducive for use within a tub or shower. In one embodiment, the base 12 comprises an orthogonal form having the dimensions 7″ (height)×9″ (width)×¼″ (thickness). The height, width and/or thickness may vary in accordance with tub or shower widths. It is further envisioned that the base 12 may comprise a variety of materials, including a number of plastic materials, and including transparent or translucent materials, or non-corrosive metal materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, it is also envisioned that the base 12 may comprise a variety of aesthetics, including a variety of solid colors, clear or translucent, multi-color patterns, and indicium or indicia (including the use of licensed trademark(s)).

An underside of the base 12 may also include a pliable abutment boss 40 suitably attached centrally thereto. During use of the apparatus 10, the pliable abutment boss 40 functions to provide centralized subjacent support to the base 12 when base 12 is secured to a selected surface.

The leg(s) 14 may comprise a variety of devices. In one embodiment, the leg(s) 14 may comprise a durable silicone or other plastic-based suction cup 15, to which pressure may be applied to generate a secure seal between the stall surface and the suction cup 15. In another embodiment, the leg(s) 14 may comprise a leg or post having an adhesive material affixed to the end engaging the stall surface. Each leg 14 is secured to the base via a threaded bolt or stud and a non-corrosive nut coupled thereto. It is envisioned that other similar devices and substitutes may be utilized to achieve the same effect and function without departing from the scope of the disclosure and the claims herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the abrasive region 16 is positioned along the topside of the base 12, thereby easily accessed by the user. The abrasive region 16 may comprise a single abrasive sheet of a particular texture grade (see FIG. 5), a single abrasive sheet having a plurality of varying texture grades (see FIG. 2), or a plurality of abrasive sheets of varying texture grades (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, respectively), and is discussed in greater detail below. The abrasive region(s) 16 may be coupled to the base 12 by a variety of means, including the use of hook 24 and loop 26 material. For instance, and but one example of the possibilities available, a complementary set of hook and loop material strips 18 and 20, each having an adhesive agent 28 along the backside of each protected by a removable protective backing, may be used so that one of either the hook or the loop material strip 18 or 20 is adhered to the base and the remaining one of either the hook or the loop material strip 18 or 20 is adhered to the underside of an abrasive sheet used as at least a portion of the abrasive region(s) 16. In such a configuration, the complementary hook and loop material strips 18 and 20 may be coupled or interlocked so that subjacent material firmly (such as hook material adhered to the base) and securely maintains the superjacent material (such as loop material adhered to the underside of the abrasive sheet) into a fixed position during use. Additionally, in such a configuration, the abrasive sheet(s) of the abrasive region(s) 16 is/are removable by separating the hook 24 and loop 26 material and substituting a new and/or different texture grade abrasive sheet as desired. It is envisioned that hook and loop material strips 18 and 20 may be oriented or sized so that the hook or loop material adhered to the underside of the abrasive sheet has an excess or overhang 22 relative to the hook or loop material adhered to the topside of the base 12. The excess or overhang 22 provides means for easy disposal and replacement of the exhausted abrasive sheet of the abrasive region(s) 16, wherein the user grasps the excess or overhang 22 and separates the hook and loop material, thereby releasing the abrasive sheet from the abrasive region 16. It is envisioned that each one of the abrasive regions 16 utilizes a water-resistant paper base abrasive sheet so as to extend the life of the abrasive sheet(s) and the abrasive region(s) 16 for use in a bath or shower.

In one embodiment, as described above, and as depicted in FIG. 5, the abrasive region 16 comprises a single abrasive sheet having a single texture grade, which may comprise coarse, fine or intermediate textures, thereby giving the user flexibility in choice. In another embodiment, as described above, and as depicted in FIG. 6, the abrasive region 16 comprises a single abrasive sheet having a plurality of texture grades sheets disposed thereon, and denoted by reference characters 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, respectively. In such an embodiment, having at least two abrasive regions (and depicted as three regions), the user is given the opportunity to utilize more than one texture grade for treatment. It is envisioned that the abrasive regions 16 a, 16 b and 16 c may be separated by indicia for the user's convenience. In a related embodiment, the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 7 utilizes a plurality of distinctive abrasive regions 16, and illustrates three abrasive regions 16 utilizing three distinctive abrasive sheets (also using reference characters 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, respectively).

In the embodiments depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it is envisioned that 16 a may comprise a coarse texture grade, 16 b may comprise an intermediate texture grade, and 16 c may comprise a fine texture grade. In this configuration, the most preferable sequence would begin with 16 a, then move to 16 b, and finish with 16 c. The coarse texture grade 16 a is utilized in removing the build-up of hard skin calluses. The intermediate texture grade 16 b is utilized in softening the skin after the bulk of the callus(es) have been removed. The fine texture grade 16 c is utilized for completely removing any rough portions or edges from the skin once the coarse and intermediate grades have been utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 may further comprise an open-cell sponge attachment 30. The attachment 30 may comprise a hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to the underside of the attachment, the hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 complementary to the existing hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to the topside of the base 12. The attachment 30 may be substituted for the abrasive region 16, or one of the abrasive regions 16 a, 16 b or 16 c as depicted in FIG. 7, and utilized for the application of a lotion, oil, or topical medicine to the foot or feet. In such an application, the lotion, oil or topical medicine is placed onto the top surface of the sponge, and the user passes the foot or feet over the sponge in a manner similar to that utilized with regard to the abrasive region(s) 16. As the foot or feet is/are passed over the sponge, the lotion, oil and/or medicine is transferred to the foot or feet.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the apparatus 10 may further comprise an attachable and detachable platform 32 comprising a base 34 of smaller dimension than the base 12 of the apparatus 10. The base 34 may comprise at least one leg 36 coupled to the underside of the base 34. A hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 is applied to the topside of the base 34, and complementary hook or look material strip 18 or 20 is applied to the underside of an abrasive sheet or region 38, wherein the hook and loop material strips 18 and 20 cooperatively couple the abrasive sheet or region 38 to the base 34.

Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the apparatus 10 may further comprise a semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 defining an elongated configuration. The semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 may comprise a hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to the underside thereof, with the hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 complementary to the existing hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to the topside of the base 12. The semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 includes an abrasive region 16 coupled to the outer external circumferential surface 51 thereof. The abrasive region 16 may comprise a single abrasive sheet of a particular texture grade. The semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 may be substituted for the abrasive region 16, or one of the abrasive regions 16 a, 16 b or 16 c as depicted in FIG. 7, and is utilized for exfoliating particularly the arch and outer edges of the foot or feet.

It is envisioned that the apparatus 10 may be retrofit to an existing tub or shower stall, or integral to a tub/shower stall. It is envisioned that the floor surface of the stall is the expected placement, although installation at other locations is envisioned, such as along the front wall just below the faucet, angled for ease of use. It is also envisioned that the apparatus 10 may be installed in the floor of the tub or shower stall with a removable panel recessed just below the surface of the floor, and having a drain line running from recess into standard drain line of the tub or shower stall.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

To use the present invention, user fixedly secures the exfoliating apparatus 10 via the suction cups 15 thereof at a desired location such as the floor surface of the tub/shower stall or along the front wall just below the faucet. User next exfoliates his/her foot, hand, or elbow by passing the foot, hand, or elbow over the abrasive region(s) 16 in a longitudinal path, which may be repeated with additional abrasive region(s) 16 of varying texture grade if so desired. More specifically, user slides his/her foot, hand, or elbow forward and backward relative to the user's orientation against the coarse texture grade 16 a for removing the build-up of hard skin calluses. User then slides his/her foot, hand, or elbow forward and backward relative to the user's orientation against the intermediate texture grade 16 b for softening the skin after the bulk of the callus(es) have been removed. Finally, user slides his/her foot, hand, or elbow forward and backward relative to the user's orientation against the fine texture grade 16 c for completely removing any rough portions or edges from the skin.

The use of the present invention allows for the quick, easy, efficient, and painless removal of calluses.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims. 

1. An apparatus for exfoliating skin, the apparatus comprising: a base; at least one leg depending from an underside of the base, the at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position; and at least one abrasive region coupled to the base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one margin, the margin having a beveled form.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one leg comprises a suction cup coupled to the base.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one abrasive region comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the abrasive sheet comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive textures.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, each one of the abrasive regions comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions comprises at least one coarse texture grade and at least one fine texture grade.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an intermediate texture grade.
 9. An apparatus for exfoliating skin, the apparatus comprising: a base; at least one leg depending from the underside of the base, the at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position; and a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, the plurality of abrasive regions comprising at least one coarse texture region and at least one fine texture region.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base comprises at least one margin, the margin having a beveled form.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one leg comprises a suction cup coupled to the base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an intermediate texture region disposed intermediately between the coarse texture region and the fine texture region.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each one of the abrasive regions is coupled to the base via hook and loop material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a hook or loop material strip is adhered to the underside of the abrasive region, and wherein a complementary hook or loop material strip is adhered to the topside of the base, the hook and loop mutually engaging in an interlocking and separable manner.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each one of the abrasive regions comprises an overhang for grasping and removing one of the abrasive regions by separating the hook and loop material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each one of the abrasive regions utilizes a water-resistant paper liner.
 17. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an open-cell sponge attachment, wherein the sponge attachment comprises hook or loop material applied to the underside of the attachment, the hook or loop material complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to the topside of the base.
 18. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an attachable and removable platform, the platform comprising: a base having a dimension smaller than the base of the apparatus; at least one leg coupled to the underside of the base, the at least one leg utilized for coupling the platform to the base of the apparatus; an abrasive sheet coupled to the base; hook or loop material applied to the topside of the platform base; and hook or loop material complementary to the topside of the base applied to the underside of the abrasive sheet of the platform, the abrasive sheet coupled to the base via the hook and loop material.
 19. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a semicircular exfoliating attachment, wherein the semicircular exfoliating attachment comprises hook or loop material applied to the underside of the semicircular exfoliating attachment, the hook or loop material complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to the topside of the base.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes a pliable abutment boss suitably attached centrally to the underside thereof. 